Eye pain what it can mean

Overview

Eye pain is any discomfort or aching in or around your eye. It can feel like a sharp stab, a dull ache, or a gritty sensation. Often it's a sign that something is irritating or inflaming the eye.

Yes, eye pain is a common reason people visit their GP or optician. It can happen at any age.

Anyone can get eye pain, but people who wear contact lenses, have dry eyes, spend many hours looking at screens, or work in dusty or windy places may be more likely to experience it.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Sharp or dull ache inside or around the eye
• Feeling like something is in your eye
• Redness of the eye
• Increased tearing or watery eyes
• Sensitivity to light
• Blurred vision

Symptoms in children

• Rubbing the eyes a lot
• Squinting or closing one eye
• Complaining of a headache
• Avoiding bright rooms or sunlight

Symptoms in older adults

• Dryness or gritty feeling, often with dry eye syndrome
• Aching or pressure in the eye, sometimes a sign of glaucoma
• Pain with a rash around the eye, which can be shingles

Causes

Main causes

• Dry eyes – when the eye does not make enough tears
• Allergies – reaction to pollen, dust, or pet dander
• Foreign body – something like an eyelash or dust in the eye
• Conjunctivitis – inflammation of the clear layer over the white of the eye
• Corneal abrasion – a scratch on the eye's surface
• Iritis – inflammation inside the coloured part of the eye
• Acute glaucoma – a sudden rise in eye pressure
• Sinusitis – infection or inflammation of the sinuses

Risk factors

• Wearing contact lenses, especially overnight
• Long periods of screen time without breaks
• Exposure to sunlight or UV light without protection
• Autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Sudden vision loss or changes in vision
• Severe pain that comes on quickly
• Eye pain after an accident or injury
• Chemical exposure to the eye

Book a routine appointment if:

• Mild pain that lasts more than a few days
• Redness and discomfort that does not get better
• Frequent eye pain that comes and goes

Diagnosis

Your doctor or optician will ask about your symptoms and look at your eye using special instruments. They may also check your vision and eye pressure.

Tests that may be done

• Visual acuity test – reading letters on a chart
• Slit-lamp exam – a microscope with a bright light to see the front of your eye
• Tonometry – a puff of air or a gentle probe to measure eye pressure

What to expect at your appointment

These tests are painless. Your doctor may put a drop of dye in your eye to check for scratches. The whole appointment usually takes 20–30 minutes.

Treatment

Treatment depends on what is causing your eye pain. Many cases get better with simple steps, while others need medicines or procedures.

Self-care at home

• Rest your eyes – take breaks from screens every 20 minutes
• Apply a warm, damp cloth over closed eyes for 5–10 minutes
• Use over-the-counter lubricating eye drops (ask your pharmacist which type suits you)
• Avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can make irritation worse

Medical treatments

Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic or antiviral eye drops for infections, or anti-inflammatory drops for conditions like iritis. In some cases, oral medicines are used to lower eye pressure or reduce inflammation. You will be given clear instructions on how to use them.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed, but it may be recommended for conditions like acute glaucoma that do not respond to medicines, or to remove a foreign object that is deeply embedded.

Living with this condition

Most people with occasional eye pain can continue their normal activities. If your eyes feel tired or dry, take short breaks and use lubricating drops as needed.

Lifestyle tips

• Take regular breaks from digital screens (look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds)
• Use protective eyewear when gardening, DIY, or playing sports
• Wear sunglasses outdoors to shield your eyes from UV rays

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids (like from oily fish, walnuts, and flaxseed) may help with dry eyes. Regular exercise is good for overall health and can reduce the risk of conditions that affect the eyes, such as high blood pressure.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Ongoing eye pain can be frustrating and stressful. If it affects your mood or sleep, talk to your doctor. They can offer support and help manage the pain.

Prevention

Not all eye pain can be prevented, but you can lower your chances by protecting your eyes from injury, not sharing eye makeup, and following good contact lens hygiene.

Vaccines

The shingles vaccine can reduce the risk of shingles-related eye pain. Ask your GP if this vaccine is right for you.

Screening programmes

Regular eye exams every 1–2 years can catch problems early, especially if you are over 40 or have a family history of eye conditions.

Complications

If left untreated

• Permanent vision loss from conditions like acute glaucoma or severe infection
• Corneal scarring that can blur vision
• Spread of infection to other parts of the eye

Long-term outlook

For most people, eye pain gets better with simple care or treatment. Even with serious causes, early medical help gives the best chance of protecting your sight. If you have any concerns, see a doctor as soon as possible.

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